Cincinnati Bengals Denounce Hamilton County Prosecutor's Stadium Negotiation Claims

The Cincinnati Bengals have strongly refuted claims made by Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich regarding the ongoing lease negotiations for Paycor Stadium, calling her comments "plainly false." Pillich criticized the Bengals' negotiation efforts and recommended replacing longtime county lawyer Tom Gabelman, who had been involved in stadium talks for nearly 30 years, with attorneys from other firms, a move approved unanimously by county commissioners. The Bengals' legal counsel, Emma Compton, highlighted the team's consistent good faith efforts in negotiations, citing past collaborations on local projects and financial investments in the stadium, and noted Pillich's lack of direct involvement in the talks. Gabelman himself stated that negotiations were about 90% complete before his removal, and he suggested his firing might be linked to political reasons. The Bengals have until June 30 to decide on extending their lease, with the current agreement set to expire next June, and talks appear strained following recent changes in county legal representation. Both the Bengals and county officials have yet to provide further comment following the exchange of accusations.